Main Entry: se·vere

Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvir\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): se·ver·er; se·ver·est

Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin severus

Date: 1548

1 a : strict in judgment, discipline, or government b : of a strict or stern bearing or manner : austere
2 : rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement : stringent, restrictive
3 : strongly critical or condemnatory : censorious <a severe critic>
4 a : maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline b : establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes <a severe logician>
5 : sober or restrained in decoration or manner : plain <a severe dress>
6 a : inflicting physical discomfort or hardship : harsh <severe winters> b : inflicting pain or distress : grievous <a severe wound>
7 : requiring great effort : arduous <a severe test>
8 : of a great degree : serious <severe depression>

— se·vere·ly adverb

— se·vere·ness noun

— se·ver·i·ty \sə-ˈver-ə-tē\ noun

synonyms severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness <severe military discipline>. stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character <stern arbiters of public morality>. austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial <living an austere life in the country>. ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline <the ascetic life of the monks>.